Wildland firefighters using Bitterroot location to train for aerial attack
Dennis Bragg photo
and last updated 2021-05-06 21:40:48-04
STEVENSVILLE â Often the sound of helicopters in the Bitterroot signals the beginning of another fire season. But today, it marked the location of critical training to keep those fires under control.
For the first time ever, U.S. Forest Service rappel teams are using Western Montana locations to prepare for the upcoming fire season.
Beginning with ground work in Missoula, these specialized firefighters from all over the Northwest went airborne Thursday, evaluating a new training location on private land just south of the Bass Creek Recreation Area.
They Fly Through The Air With The Greatest of Ease
Forest fires throughout the U.S. can be initially attacked from the air. Until recently, smokejumpers would jump to a safe area near the fire and hike to it. Another way is have two firefighters rappel down long lines from a hovering helicopter to the ground near the fire.. And, the rappel crews are also used for large fire support, hazard incidents and other operations on the forest service, according to Tod McKay of the Bitterroot National Forest.
But, the rappellers need training. So, 62 veteran rappellers, with two helicopters, will be coming to the Bitterroot Valley this month. The training will be at the Ruffatto Ranch on Bass Creek Road near the Bass Creek Recreation Area. The helicopters and crews are arriving this week, with further training May 27-29.
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